Takesi and El Choro: The Best Multi-Day Treks Near La Paz, Bolivia

La Paz boasts an abundance of exciting attractions to tempt the intrepid traveler. From marveling at fearsome cholita wrestlers to soaring above the city in a cable car, Bolivia’s capital captivates the visitor with its blend of ancient traditions and urban energy. However, some may be more inclined to explore the surrounding scenery on a multi-day foray. Let Culture Trip lead the way with a tour of El Choro and Takesi.

Going alone or hiring a guide

Although these two treks can be done independently, hiring a guide through a travel agency simplifies the process immeasurably. A knowledgeable local guide will take care of the navigation and camping logistics as well as carry most of the weight.

On the downside, such a service can be prohibitively expensive for budget backpackers, particularly those who travel alone.

Hiring camping gear

Independent trekkers will need to rent gear to tackle either route. Even on Takesi, where refugios (shelters) are available, you’ll still need a sleeping bag to keep warm at night. Check out GEO-Trek Bolivia or Climbing South America for affordable rentals.

When to go

May to October is the dry season and the ideal time to hike. Both trails are possible outside of this period, but expect to get wet. It’s highly recommended to postpone your plans if the forecast is for torrential rain.

What to bring

On both routes, you’ll be at high altitude for a brief period, so pack a light jacket and sweater.

Standard hiking and camping equipment is essential.

Bring water purification tablets or a filtration system, as farm animals render the river water unsafe to drink straight from the source.

El Choro

A well-preserved portion of the expansive Capac Ñan Inca highway network, El Choro is the region’s flagship trail for both its stunning scenery and historical significance.

Throughout the trek, these lush subtropical valleys become increasingly humid as the altitude declines. Dipping from 16,076 to 4,429 feet (4,900 to 1,350 meters), this unrelenting descent is notoriously tough on the knees. Consider renting a pair of trekking poles to ease the pain.

After a six-hour downhill walk along the ancient cobblestoned path, hikers arrive at Challapampa, a traditional indigenous community who call this remote region home. Featuring a roofed camping ground and the chance to purchase some hot food, it’s an idyllic spot to spend the night.

The second day is the toughest of the trip, thanks to an eight-hour descent on rugged terrain. On the second night, most hikers pitch a tent under the thatched roofs of the San Francisco camping ground. Alternatively, some soldier on to sleep in Sandillani, the former countryside estate of a deceased Japanese recluse.

On day three, it’s another four to six hours to the final destination, the laid-back Yungas town of Chairo.

The first sign of civilization is the endearing stone-brick town of Takesi, which offers indoor accommodation during busy periods. Alternatively, a little further down the trail is a picturesque camping ground wedged between the fork of a roaring river.

However, the high altitude here equates to frigid nights, which is why those on a two-day trip prefer to push on. Deep in the subtropical Yungas, about four hours on from Takesi, lies the warmer settlement of Kapaci. Here, a hostel provides indoor shelter and an attached camping ground with basic facilities.

A steep hour-long descent from Kapaci sees weary travelers arriving at the gushing Quimsa Chata River, the perfect spot for a swim to soothe those aching muscles. From there, the trail bobs up and down as it passes an old aqueduct before climbing to the working gold mining town of Chojlla.